Signs of metastatic lung cancer

Symptoms in the chest may include a persistent cough, breathlessness, chest discomfort, repeated infections, coughing up blood, or a hoarse voice. General changes can include reduced appetite, weight loss, tiredness, or weakness. Spread to bone may cause deep or persistent pain and reduced mobility. Spread to the brain may cause headaches, seizures, confusion, balance problems, weakness, or changes in speech or vision. A symptom can have several causes, so it cannot establish the stage or location of cancer on its own.

Report new, persistent, or worsening symptoms to the oncology team. Assessment may involve examination, scans, and tests that identify the cancer’s extent and features; genomic tumour profiling may help guide some treatment discussions. Depending on the findings, care may include chemotherapy, radiotherapy, surgery such as lung lobectomy in selected situations, and palliative care for symptom relief and support.

Seek emergency care for severe breathing difficulty, significant bleeding when coughing, a seizure, sudden weakness, new confusion, or a severe headache with vomiting. Sudden loss of balance, speech, or vision also needs immediate assessment because it may reflect an urgent problem involving the brain or oxygen supply.

Ask which symptoms may relate to the lungs, bones, or brain, which tests are planned, and how results will shape treatment. Discuss breathlessness and pain relief, the role of genomic testing, and when to call the team between visits.